9:23AM, Sun Aug 19, 2012

Arsenal 0 - 0 Sunderland: Martin O'Neill's Men Earn A Point In Season Opener At The Emirates

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Sunderland earned a point in a goalless draw at the Emirates in their first game of the season, as Arsenal began life without Robin van Persie.

Sunderland proved themselves hard to break down throughout the match, and enjoyed repeated success down the left flank through Stephane Sessegnon.

Arsene Wenger's side, boasting summer signings Lukas Podolski, the German striker, and impressive Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla in the starting XI, enjoyed plenty of possession, but lacked a killer instinct in the final third.

When a clear opening eventually came their way late in the second half, substitute Olivier Giroud, who netted 21 goals for Montpellier last season, fired wide.

While there were plenty of positives to take from the workrate of his side, manager Arsene Wenger will know there must be an improvement in conversion rate if Arsenal are to challenge over the course of the season.

It was a lively start by the hosts, but Sunderland remained dangerous on the counter through Stephane Sessegnon.

On six minutes, the Arsenal defence was opened up as James McClean slipped into the penalty area, but his shot was blocked smartly by Wojciech Szczesny.

Spain international Cazorla, signed from Malaga, almost made himself an instant hero when he charged forwards and unleashed a 20-yard effort which Black Cats keeper Simon Mignolet beat away.

Sunderland created another decent opening when the ball was worked to Jack Colback at the edge of the Arsenal area, but his low effort was straight at the keeper.

Gervinho skipped away down the left and rode a couple of tackles before cutting the ball back across goal, only for Cazorla to drill it wide.

Arsenal continued to press Sunderland deeper as Abou Diaby's low, 20-yard effort was touched around the post.

The visitors, however, set up with two banks of four and were hard to break down.

Hacked

Arsenal finally pulled some passes together as Theo Walcott was played into the right and his cutback to the near post was hacked behind before Podolski could get there.

The second half opened the same pattern, with the hosts left frustrated by some stern defending as much as their own poor choice of final pass.

On 57 minutes, Kieran Richardson upended Walcott some 25 yards out. Podolski took the free-kick, but the German's effort flew just over.

As the hour mark passed, Sessegnon was replaced by Louis Saha, signed on a free transfer after he left Tottenham.

The Gunners also made a change when Giroud came on for his debut, Podolski making way.

Wenger then aimed to inject some fresh ideas into midfield as Wales captain Aaron Ramsey came on for the hard-working Diaby.

Sunderland continued to sit back, but Arsenal failed to make the most of their possession heading into the final 15 minutes, when Walcott was replaced by Andrey Arshavin.

With nine minutes left, Cazorla played in Giroud, but the French striker, so clinical in Ligue 1 last season, fired wide from 10 yards.

Arsenal pressed in search of a winner during four minutes of stoppage time, but had to be content with just a point - which was greeted by boos from some home supporters.

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Barclays Premier League

Pos	Team	P	Pts
15	Aston Villa	38	41
16	Newcastle United	38	41
17	Sunderland	38	39
18	Wigan Athletic	38	36
19	Reading	38	28

Fixtures & Results

April

Barclays Premier League - Sun 7
FT	Chelsea	2-1	Sunderland
Barclays Premier League - Sun 14
FT	Newcastle	0-3	Sunderland
Barclays Premier League - Sat 20
FT	Sunderland	1-0	Everton
Barclays Premier League - Mon 29
FT	A Villa	6-1	Sunderland

May

Barclays Premier League - Mon 6
FT	Sunderland	1-1	Stoke City
Barclays Premier League - Sun 12
FT	Sunderland	1-1	Southamptn
Barclays Premier League - Sun 19
FT	Tottenham	1-0	Sunderland